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In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

Interest in precision working to conduct advanced research into areas such as tree improvement, nursery seedling production, forest soils, forest ecology, forest mensuration and forest operations

SOCIAL

Interest in synthesizing information to plan and conduct public relations, educational and extension programs related to forestry; and in providing advice and recommendations as consultants on forestry issues to private woodlot owners, companies and municipal, provincial and federal governments

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.

Foresters work in close consultation with other land and resource management specialists to ensure that forest land is managed wisely. Their objective is to optimize production of forest resources and minimize adverse impacts on the land, water and wildlife.

Foresters may:

prepare and manage plans for reforestation or forest renewal, and oversee seed and tree planting programs for areas where trees have been harvested or burned by forest fires

assess and deal with the impacts of wild fires, insects, diseases or pollution on forests and develop strategies to minimize forest losses

prepare and manage long term engineering plans and oversee forest engineering activities such as road layout and construction, bridge construction and culvert installation

plan and supervise long term timber harvesting sequences and operations to minimize the impact of harvesting on aesthetics, wildlife, soil and water resources

plan forest land use activities such as recreational activities, domestic grazing and timber harvesting operations

plan and supervise access or well site drilling operations, power or pipelines

calculate and trade carbon credits

advise government and industry officials on forest management issues and assess new forest management applications

use remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) applications

manage public involvement processes to identify best practices for forest land use

oversee the business aspects of forest use

develop and deliver public education and awareness programs

develop and use computer programs to aid in forest management.

Foresters may work in various industries related to forestry such as business and finance, oil, gas and mining, environment, power generation and product supply. They may also work in land inspection and enforcement to ensure that forest cleared lands are reclaimed to their most suitable end use, or that outdoor recreational activities and commercial land uses comply with the guidelines and regulations set for forested public lands.

Foresters working in watershed protection and wildlife management monitor wildlife populations and assess the impacts of forest operations on population and habitats, and study water yield variations following surface disturbances.

Forest research scientists and forestry research officers may work in forest management science and research areas such as:

investigating the impact of forest operations on soils, water, wildlife and their habitats

In entry level positions, foresters may spend a considerable amount of time working outdoors in the field, by themselves or with small crews. They may work in remote sites or bush camps or hike in rugged country, wet muskeg areas or over steep terrain in all kinds of weather conditions. Forest fire control activities are physically demanding and hazardous. To avoid harsh weather conditions and being outdoors for extended periods, foresters use various portable devices and GIS navigation. Foresters often use all-terrain vehicles, trucks, helicopters or skidoos which have made it easier to move around the forest.

Foresters may choose to continue working in field oriented positions but many Registered Professional Foresters (RPFs) work primarily indoors, planning and administering programs or conducting research. Much of their time is spent on activities such as:

accumulating and analyzing data

working with a large team of professionals (for example, biologists, hydrologists) to complete land use plans

corresponding and meeting with industry, government and environmental group representatives

facilitating meetings with all land users

developing provincial and federal forest policy

writing reports or scientific papers

delivering presentations.

Strength Required
Lift up to 5 kg

Skills & Abilities

Updated Oct 20, 2014

Foresters need the following characteristics:

the ability to complete the required academic training

the ability to work effectively alone and in a team environment

good organizational and communication skills

a keen interest in all aspects of nature and a serious concern for the environment

the ability to direct the work of assistants and oversee several different projects at the same time.

Foresters should enjoy exploring things in depth, developing innovative studies and programs, dealing with people and directing the work of others.

Educational Requirements

Updated Oct 20, 2014

Foresters must have a university degree in forestry.Forestry research positions usually require at least a master's degree in forestry; often, a doctoral (PhD) degree is required for independent research positions. Computer skills are a definite asset, particularly familiarity with GIS and GPS systems.

Required Education

The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.

Outdoor experience (camping, bush travel, use of all-terrain or four-wheel-drive vehicles) is a definite asset. The Alberta Junior Forest Rangers program, operated by Land and Forest Services, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, provides work related forestry experience for senior high school students.

Because competition for entry level forestry positions is often keen, related summer work experience is practically a prerequisite for permanent employment.

After several years of work in junior positions, foresters may assume responsibility for assessing data gathered by forest technologists and forestry workers, planning and implementing projects and supervising technologists and forestry workers who do fieldwork. With additional experience, foresters may move into management and administrative positions.

Foresters who have several years of work experience also may move into related fields such as land use planning, reclamation work, vegetation control, surveying or working in provincial parks.

Foresters are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2122: Forestry Professionals. In Alberta, 96% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)

size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Wage & Salary

Updated Oct 20, 2014

Salaries for foresters doing reclamation and remediation work or resource management and planning work in the environment industry, energy industry or other natural resources industries may be higher than in the forestry sector.

Swipe left and right to view all data.Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

C: Lower Reliability

Data Reliability Code Definition

Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Updated Dec 01, 2012. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.